Primary School

Primary students at ACE are grouped by ability, and may interchange seamlessly between those groups for certain subjects as needed. However, our classes tend to form organically into groups of 4–5-year-olds (Blue Pod), 5–6-year-olds (Yellow Pod), and 6–7-year-olds (Red Pod).

Why ACE for your 4–8-year-old?

Small class sizes and inquiry-driven learning

Creation is encouraged and nurtured in the classroom. Students learn, behave, and are respected as individuals.

Children often make their own manipulatives, allowing ownership and hands-on experiences for greater exploration.

Play is still an important factor in social development. They are continuing to learn how to interact with different people and sharing ideas and information with each other.

Pace matters. Being with like-leveled learners means minimal repetition and review. Teachers allow extended periods of work if requested.

Students are engaged in higher-level thinking on a daily basis, not just studying concepts but analyzing, evaluating, and debating them, too.

Our primary pods have access to class iPads. They are wonderful supplemental tools for math, language arts, culture time, social studies, etc. We may show short movie clips, YouTube videos, photos, or play music, photograph class activities, and explore new ideas. All content will be previewed in advance by the teacher for age appropriateness. Students may use iPads during Weather, math centers, or free time (if earned as a privilege).

Your student will receive quarterly narrative evaluations. These evaluations are based on observation, assessments, and student work. They include the following evaluation systems:

A written evaluation for each major subject acknowledging achievements, growth, and goals for the future.

A numerical evaluation for behavior and comprehension. This rating system is from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), where 3 is considered meeting all expectations.

We also evaluate on the following characteristics: self-motivation, work ethic, attitude, perseverance, and willingness to accept challenges.

ACE Academy is a private, independent school for gifted students in Austin, Texas. ACE combines strong, integrated academic curriculum with a global outlook. ACE Academy offers classes for ages three through high school in flexible groupings and is fully accredited by SACS/CASI through AdvancEd.